US Awards $389 Million for Semiconductor R&D

The United States Department of Commerce has allocated $389 million in research and development funding to four semiconductor enterprises. These grants were distributed under the federal government’s CHIPS and Science Act framework.

In an official statement, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained that the funding is intended to accelerate domestic semiconductor innovation to bolster national energy and power resources. As a condition of these outlays, the U.S. government will secure minority, non-controlling, and non-equity stakes in the recipient firms. To date, the Department of Commerce has issued 19 R&D grants as part of the $10 billion fund established by the 2022 legislation.

Washington-based Helion, a developer of high-voltage power semiconductors and advanced energy modules, received the largest allocation at $175 million. Commonwealth Fusion Systems was awarded $85 million to advance semiconductor technologies for robotic maintenance systems. Additionally, Vertical Semiconductors will receive $73 million for AI data center rack innovations, while Sibelco North America was allocated $56 million.